Make Like a Leaf

The leaf frog takes camouflage to a new level. The pointed snout, projections over the eyes, and ridged "veins" running down its back give this frog the option of disappearing into leaf litter. Predators help drive the evolution of camouflage by eating every frog they can find. A leaf frog that looks even slightly more leaf-like than its neighbor has a better chance to survive and reproduce, passing its genes to the next generation.

Eyelash Leaf Frog

Ceratobatrachus guentheri

Class: AmphibiaFamily: RanidaeSize: Up to 3 inchesFood: InsectsRange: Solomon IslandsHabitat: Forest floor in leaf litterLife Cycle: The female buries the eggs in a shallow underground nest. After a month the eggs hatch as froglets; there is no tadpole stage.